Senior Events Manager

Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 74,325 - 109,008; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock ownership

Life insurance

Health benefits

Sabbatical program

Job summary

Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC is seeking a highly organized Senior Event Manager to oversee the planning and execution of our annual Morningstar Investment Conference, based in the Chicago office. The role also covers additional events as assigned and requires strong vendor management, budgeting, and speaker coordination to deliver impactful experiences.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Experiential Marketing, the ideal candidate has extensive experience in large-scale events, exceptional

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event management, with a focus on large-scale events.
• Proven track record of managing all aspects of event logistics, including vendor relationships, budgeting, and contract negotiation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate all aspects of the flagship event from start to finish.
• Negotiate and manage venue contracts and vendor services to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate speakers and manage communications, schedules, and logistics.
• Oversee on-site operations and post-event evaluations to inform improvements.

Job description

About Us

We’re a leading provider of independent investment research globally. Since 1984, we’ve grown from a start‑up company in a one‑bedroom apartment to a global organization working in sync from Chicago to Mumbai. Morningstar’s mission is to empower investor success. We work directly with investors, and with the advisors and institutions that serve them.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and dynamic Senior Event Manager to oversee the planning and execution of our annual Morningstar Investment Conference, along with additional events as assigned. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event logistics, vendor management, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional events that meet organizational objectives. This role reports to the Senior Director of Experiential Marketing and is based in the Chicago office.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate all aspects of the flagship event, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
• Manage food and beverage orders, audio‑visual requirements, and other vendor contracts to guarantee a successful event experience.
• Liaise with speakers, handling all communication, scheduling, and logistical needs to ensure their participation is smooth and successful.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, ensuring optimal pricing and service levels that align with event requirements.
• Oversee the event budget, tracking expenses and ensuring cost‑effective solutions while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Oversee all on‑site operations during the event, ensuring all logistics are executed as planned and addressing any issues that arise promptly.
• Conduct post‑event evaluations to assess success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement for future events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event management, with a focus on large‑scale events.
• Proven track record of managing all aspects of event logistics, including vendor relationships, budgeting, and contract negotiation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and adjust communication style to suit audiences.
• Professional demeanor when dealing with senior or external stakeholders and the ability to build rapport quickly.
• Familiarity with event management software and tools (e.g., Cvent or equivalent), webinar platforms (e.g., Zoom or equivalent), digital event platforms (e.g., Cvent Attendee Hub & Speaker Resource Center), and project management software (e.g., Asana).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new systems (e.g., event management software, payment processing software, email marketing platform).

Compensation and Benefits

• Financial Health: 100% 401(k) match up to 6% of salary, Stock Ownership, Company‑provided life insurance (1x salary + commission).
• Physical Health: Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) with potential premium discounts and company‑provided HSA contributions (up to $500‑$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages, Wellness Incentives (up to $300‑$600 annually), Company‑provided long‑ and short‑term disability insurance.
• Emotional Health & Work‑Life Balance: Trust‑Based Time Off, 6‑week Paid Sabbatical Program, 6‑Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave, Competitive 8‑24‑Week Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance, Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities, Annual Flex Stipend ($1,000 annually to cover personal education & well‑being expenses), Tuition Reimbursement, Charitable Matching Gifts program, Paid volunteering days (15+).
• Total Cash Compensation Range: $74,325.00 – $109,008.33 (inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive).
• Hybrid Work: Four days in‑office each week, with tools and resources to engage meaningfully with global colleagues.

Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics.